A New Map and Passing it On.....

August 9, 2006

Before I received my implant, I was very unsure as to whether I

wanted to go ahead or not and my audiologist asked me if I would like

to speak to someone who had recently received an implant. I was

introduced to and what she told me, convinced me that I would be

silly not to take the opportunity when it arose. Speaking with her

was the major factor in why I made the decision to go ahead. It was

certainly the correct decision for me. I'm a firm believer that

people are put in our paths in this life, for a reason and

opportunities arise and doors either open or close, but the ultimate

decisions are up to ourselves. Fear can be a major reason why some

decisions are either not made or are put off.

I went for a new mapping session today and my audiologist asked me if

I would do her a favour. Another audiologist had a patient who was

dithering about whether to go ahead and have the op. I said I would

be happy to talk to him, but I wouldnt try to sell him anything. I

just told him that a positive attitude and a firm belief that the

implant would be right for him, were very healthy steps. I showed him

my operation scar and told him that after the first hour out of the

theatre, I had no pain whatsoever. I also told him about my recent

trip away and being able to hold a conversation with my grandkids for

the first time. My son also gave me a mobile phone to bring back with

me, which we had tested out, by ringing another phone in the house

and I spoke to him and heard him OK on it. The gentleman in question

was Italian and I still have problems with accents and place names,

but I was able to answer his questions and allay any fears he might

have had. I told him that if the implant team had said he was likely

to get a good outcome, then he should believe them. I also pointed

out that I am doing exceptionally well, after just 3 months and not

everyone will get results like this. With some people it can take

much longer, but the overlying fact is, that he will almost certainly

be better off than he is with hearing aids.

He is going ahead with the op and his surgery date is September 9th.

I just wanted to share that. Something was passed on to me and I was

honoured to have the chance to pass it on to someone else.

Ted F.

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